SriLanka - ihrc.news

IHRC Corporation Sri Lanka Unites with Community Leaders to Lead Major Humanitarian Missions During National Crisis

Dawid Szablowski — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 12:30:53 +0000

DEHIOWITA, SRI LANKA — In response to the recent national disaster, the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC Corporation) has taken a leading role in coordinating large-scale humanitarian assistance across affected regions of Sri Lanka, working in close partnership with local community leaders and volunteer networks.

On 3 December 2025, the International Human Rights Commission joined forces with the Embilipitiya “Senehasa” Benevolent Forum and local community representatives to deliver essential humanitarian relief to displaced families in Dehiowita and Thalduwa. The mission resulted in the distribution of dry rations and emergency supplies valued at over LKR 2.5 million, directly supporting families impacted by the disaster.

The Power of Collective Humanity

The humanitarian operation was coordinated by Mr. Pradeep Kumara Rathnayake, IHRC Volunteer Coordinator, who underlined that the success of the mission was rooted in collective civic responsibility rather than individual effort.

“The youth and residents of Embilipitiya worked together as one family, treating every affected person as their own brother or sister. Their selfless dedication formed the backbone of this mission.” Mr. Rathnayake stated.

Local volunteers played a critical role in logistics, distribution, and on-the-ground coordination, ensuring that aid reached those most in need efficiently and with dignity.

A United Front for Future Relief Efforts

Addressing volunteers and community partners, Mr. Rathnayake reaffirmed that the IHRC Special Monitoring Mission will remain fully engaged in future emergency responses, standing alongside local communities during times of national crisis.

The International Human Rights Commission reiterated its commitment to safeguarding human dignity, solidarity, and humanitarian principles, emphasizing that community-led cooperation remains central to effective disaster response and recovery.

Reported by:
Dr. Chrishantha Dissanayake
Commissioner of Sri Lanka
Investigative Journalist – IHRC News
International Human Rights Commission

The post IHRC Corporation Sri Lanka Unites with Community Leaders to Lead Major Humanitarian Missions During National Crisis first appeared on ihrc.news.

🌿 IHRC and SHCCF Launch 100,000 Tree Planting Initiative in Sri Lanka

Dawid Szablowski — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 11:40:22 +0000

First Phase Targets Schools and Religious Centres in Ratnapura

Ratnapura, Sri Lanka – 19 October 2025

The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC Corporation), in collaboration with the Shri Hela Cultural Collaboration Foundation (SHCCF), has officially launched the first phase of the 100,000 Tree Planting Project in Ratnapura. The initiative, which aligns with the European Union’s Climate Pact, focuses on educational and religious institutions as key partners in addressing the global climate crisis.

The inaugural ceremony was held at St. Aloysius’ College in Ratnapura, coinciding with the institution’s 127th anniversary celebrations. The project’s opening activities were conducted simultaneously at three locations — St. Aloysius’ College, Ratnapura Maulli Kovil, and the Ananda Maithree Sangharaja Maha Viharaya in Ratnapura New Town.

Under the leadership of Mr. Anura Vitharana, Regional Coordinator for IHRC and President of the IHRC–SHCCF Environmental Protection Project, the program was organised with precision and community involvement. Students from the St. Aloysius’ College Scout Group played an active role, providing both labour and enthusiasm to ensure the project’s successful start.

“We are doing this for the future generation”

Addressing the participants, Dr. Chrishantha Dissanayake, Commissioner of Sri Lanka for IHRC Corporation and Founder & Director General of SHCCF, stressed the urgency of global environmental action.

“The world is currently facing a massive challenge due to climate change. In response to this crisis, the International Human Rights Commission is actively implementing initiatives globally in line with the European Union’s Climate Pact. This 100,000 tree planting project in Sri Lanka is one such programme,”
said Dr. Dissanayake.

He reaffirmed IHRC’s long-term commitment to sustainable development, adding:

“We are doing all of this for the future generation, and we are committed at any moment to creating a safe environment for them.”

Dr. Dissanayake also extended warm congratulations to St. Aloysius’ College on its milestone anniversary, underlining IHRC’s readiness for continued collaboration with local institutions.

Community support and interfaith cooperation

The event brought together representatives from diverse faiths and institutions. Blessings were bestowed upon the gathering by Ven. Delwala Muditha Nayaka Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Ananda Maithree Sangharaja Maha Viharaya, and M. Mugunan Sami of the Ratnapura Maulli Kovil, symbolising harmony and shared responsibility for the environment.

Distinguished attendees included IHRC Commissioner Dr. Chrishantha Dissanayake, IHRC SMM ZVC Mr. Anura Witharana, Mr. Kalpa Sri Lal, Mr. Pathum Madushan, Mr. Vihanga Dayawansa, and Dr. Ravi Naggaraja, Vice President of the United Nations Association. The Provincial Director of Education and several local dignitaries also honoured the ceremony with their presence.

The people of Ratnapura played a vital role in the project’s success, providing the saplings used in the tree planting. In recognition of their contributions, IHRC presented certificates of appreciation to all participants and partners.

This initiative represents not only an environmental milestone but also a testament to IHRC’s global mission of fostering intergovernmental cooperation, civic responsibility, and the preservation of natural ecosystems for generations to come.

Reported by:
Dr. Chrishantha Dissanayake
Commissioner of Sri Lanka – Investigative Journalist, IHRC

Photographs by: Pethum Madhushan

No Caption

The post 🌿 IHRC and SHCCF Launch 100,000 Tree Planting Initiative in Sri Lanka first appeared on ihrc.news.

Shri Hela Higher Education Academy Hosts Celebratory Dance Festival in Padiyathalawa

Dawid Szablowski — Thu, 04 Jul 2024 14:00:57 +0000

In a significant cultural event on Monday, June 10 2024, the Shri Hela Higher Education Academy, under the auspices of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) and the Shri Hela Cultural Collaboration Foundation, facilitated a spectacular showcase of dance talent at the “Wes and Pahimpath Kalaeli Festival.” This event, held at the Abhinawarama Maha Vihara in Padiyathalawa, spotlighted the talents of children from the Padiyathalawa Divisional Secretariat Division who have dedicated themselves to the study of dance.

A collective of notable organizations including the Lanka Human Rights Organization, All Christian Rights Protection Organization, Kuveni Woman and Children Rights Protection Foundation, and the Sri Lankan Youth Api Foundation, collaborated to award certificates to 42 deserving children. These awards recognized their achievements in dance, cultivated through rigorous training and dedication.

During the festival, three prominent community figures were honored with the Shri Hela Abhiman Award: Mr. Herath Mudianselage Dayarathna, Mr. Lt. Col. T.H. Ajith, and Mrs. G.A. Chandrani Anoma Karunarathne, for their exceptional contributions to the arts and society.

Dr. Chrishantha J.K.M. Dissanayake, the Sri Lankan Commissioner of the IHRC and a foundational Founder / Director General of both the Shri Hela Cultural Collaboration Foundation and the Shri Hela Higher Education Academy, highlighted the importance of free education in dance provided by the academy under the direction of Mr. Thilina Jayasinghe, Zonal Coordinating Director of Eastern Shri Hela Cultural Collaboration Foundation and Volunteer Coordinator for the IHRC. Dr. Dissanayake emphasized the academy’s role in encouraging the children to pursue a quality education and envision a prosperous future, supported by the foundations’ initiatives.

The event was attended by key figures including Mr. Amaradasa Delankarachchi, Mr. Subramaniyam Prabakar, and Mr. Dananjaya Pranando, coordinators for the IHRC. Esteemed dance instructors Mr. Ajith Bandara and Mr. Sarath Senanayake, along with the Mahiyangana Cultural Center officer and the O.I.C. of the Padiyathalawa Police Division, were also present, underscoring the broad community support for the arts.

The spiritual leader of the venue, Rev. Kehel ulla Nanda Rathana Thero, Vihadipathi of Padiyathalawa Abhinawarama Maha Vihara, blessed the event, offering words of encouragement and spiritual guidance to all attendees.

This annual festival not only celebrates the rich tapestry of local arts but also plays a crucial role in fostering community solidarity and the development of the next generation through cultural education.

Reported by:
Dr. Chrishantha J.K.M Dissanayake
Commissioner of Sri Lanka, International Human Rights Commission

The post Shri Hela Higher Education Academy Hosts Celebratory Dance Festival in Padiyathalawa first appeared on ihrc.news.

Free educational seminars in Tamil for children

Dawid Szablowski — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 10:52:00 +0000

The International Human Rights Commission and Shri Hela Cultural Collaboration Foundation are launching a series of free educational seminars in Tamil for children appearing for the 2024 GCE O/L General Examination in Sri Lanka.

In conjunction with the voluntary assistance program of the IHRC (SMM ) Special Mission of the International Human Rights Commission under the theme “Everyone has the right to education” Shri Hela Cultural Collaboration Foundation and Shri Hela Higher Education Academy will started a series of educational seminars in Tamil For the Children of Tamil planter suffering from various economic difficulties who are appearing for the EGC O/L Entrance Examination 2024 in Sri Lanka.

According to Dr. Chrishantha Dissanayake, Commissioner of Sri Lanka in the International Human Rights Commission and Founder / chairman / Director General of Shri Hela Cultural Collaboration Foundation, this series of seminars is implemented for free in Seven centers for 1275 children in 20 schools. In order to secure the children’s future by promoting the subject awareness that is very essential for the children, the International Human Rights Commission is implementing this together with the Shri Hela Cultural Collaboration Foundation and the Bandarawela Education Zone.
Also, the International Human Rights Commission and Shri Hela Cultural Collaboration Foundation are acting as a personal mediator for these schools because there are low-income children and children who are living a very difficult lifestyle.

Accordingly, as the first conference of this series of conferences, on 29/03/2024, for the subject of Maths, with though resourceful consultants with expert knowledge in Sri Lanka were conducted at Dyaraba Mirahawatta, B/ Bharathi Tamil Vidyalaya in the Bandarawela Education Zonal , Badulla District , Uwa province of Sri Lanka.

Mr. Subramaniyam prabagar, IHRC SMM Volunteer coordinator of International Human Rights Commission and Uva Zonal coordinating Director of Shri Hela Cultural Collaboration Foundation . asked the children who were present that the International Human Rights Commission and Shri Hela Cultural Collaboration Foundation will stand up for the children’s education at any time and with this support, they should face the entrance exam well and overcome life with it.

Fifteen talented children of Tamil plantation workers who live a very difficult life in the plantations around Bandarawela were selected and presented with a special certificate of appreciation by the International Human Rights Commission, Shri Hela Cultural Cooperation Foundation, Lanka Human Rights Organization, All Christian Rights Protection Organization, Sri Lankan Youth Api Foundation. Kuveni Woman and children rights protection foundation and Shri Hela Higher Education Academy.

As resource persons for this, Veteran Maths consulter Mr. Rajarathnam senturan, The Principal of B/ Bharathi Tamil Vidyalaya, Mr.Devendarasabapathi( JP), Mr. Ravichandran The gentlemen contributed.
In this, the coordinating member of the International Human Rights Commission and Uva Zonal coordinating Director of Shri Hela Cultural Collaboration Foundation , Mr. Subramaniyam Prabagar and B/ Bharathi Tamil Vidyalaya’ s are teachers gave their full support.

In our next series of seminars, we are ready to educate the children about Tamil language, English language, maths subject , science subject and information technology subject, by the hands of expert teacher advisors.

Reported by:
Dr. Chrishantha Dissanayake
Commissioner of Sri Lanka
International Human Rights Commission

IHRC #IHRCNews #SriLanka #World #Asia #Africa #Europe #America #Switzerland #Interpol #Humanrights #Humanity #HumanityFirst #RafalWasik #Diplomacy #UnGeneva #Unitednations #UnitedNationsHumanRights #Un #Eu #Unhcr #IHRCPress #Press #PressFreedom

The post Free educational seminars in Tamil for children first appeared on ihrc.news.